Connect
Side effects of Methotrexate for Autoimmune Diseases.
Hello, I'm looking for information on Methotrexate for Autoimmune Diseases. Checking to see if anyone has experience with side affects and what to expect in terms of recurring joint pain relief. I have Ulcerative Colitis, have had Colitis diagnosis for 33 years and UC diagnosis for 31 years. I've lived with the joint pain for more than 15 years and feel it's time for some relief. Till now I've had prednisone tapers off and on since 2012 and the past 6 months have been fortunate to have a few weeks here and there where I've not had joint pain. Most of the time I manager with ice packs, compression and if I'm lucky can take Tramadol at night with Tylenol (depends weather I need to work the next day or not). Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.
Connect
Hi again. Is using biologicals for alkolizing spondylitis? How far had it progressed before u started on them? Did u try older DMARDS first? Were there seriously no problems biologicals, what happened at 15 years? I am 53 years old and quite afraid of commiting to any medications at all!
If you are 53, like me, you are "ahead of the game". I started biologics<br>after methotrexate and prednisone and celebrex. Doctor said "Humor me, and<br>keep taking them." But, they did nothing. The pain and the disability<br>progressed. Liver enzymes soared. It's been a great run for me. 15 years on<br>the biologics. No problems. Dancing to my favorite music. Working full time<br>when I could. I don't really know. But I am having horrible times right now<br>with chronic infections. UTIs. And now bowel infections. Diverticuli? We<br>each have our own journey. But I urge you to give your body a test and give<br>them a try because for me, I had a quality of life that I would not have<br>known without this miracle of the biologics. You will know when it is right<br>for you. Right now, I am "skipping" doses of Humera. My rheumatologist is<br>mostly leaving the decision up to me between appointments of I should<br>inject or not. Arthritis symptoms are not coming back, yet! I've skipped 2<br>so far while having the colonoscopy and endoscopy. Let's stay in touch, ok?<br><br>
Thanks very much for sharing your story with me I appreciate it? I feel like a babe in the woods though am learning a lot. My brother had As very young, with bad radiographic spinal damage. He is not 60 and completely free of damage, though is cautious with his diet and does Yoga every day. I am taking on board all the info I can. I hope I DO know what is right for me as I go, like you said. So one step at a time. I hope you can get back strong and fight off some of the infections a o k. Your present specialist sounds the right attitude.
My biggest fears are Liver damage, Kidney Damage and most is the permanently suppressed immune system. However can I put up with this 'restricted' lifestyle and unpredictable pain.?
OK. At this stage I know I am lucky to have a 'quality of life' decision even to make. I am concerned about liver and kidney damage, and also very much immune system complications. Thanks for sharing what you know. My brother (i have only just learned) had As at 23 years, very advanced on X-ray. He is 60 now and stopped all meds after stomach problems(only tried for 9 months). (MRI's and Biologicals were not available). His X-rays are now completely clear. He has found some things in his diet he avoids and daily does Yoga. I hope you are right in that I will know what is right for me as you seem to. You mention 'when you could' regarding work. I am very concerned for how reliable I can be with this unpredictable pain and varying fatigue and concentration levels.